Are there different types of mouth protectors?

There are three types of mouth protectors: • stock • boil and bite • custom-fitted. Stock mouth protectors are inexpensive and come pre-formed, ready to wear. Unfortunately, they often don t fit very well. They can be bulky and can make breathing and talking difficult. Boil and bite mouth protectors also can be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They should be softened in water, then inserted and allowed to adapt to the shape of your mouth. If you don t follow the directions carefully you can wind up with a poor-fitting mouth protector. Custom-fitted mouth protectors are made by your dentist for you personally. They are more expensive than the other versions, but because they are customized they can offer a better fit than anything you can buy off the shelf. I wear braces. Can I use a mouth protector? A properly fitted mouth protector may be especially important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. A blow to ...  more

Yes, there are three different types of mouth protectors. The first type is called a stock mouthguard which can be purchased in sporting goods stores and are the least expensive. However, they are also bulky and lack retention, they tend to interfere with speech and breathing, and they are the least protective. The second is a mouth-formed (boil and bite) protector and are also available in sporting goods stores and pharmacies. They are made from thermoplastic materials and are made to fit by boiling them in water, then biting down on the plastic form. Then, using your finger, tongue, and pressure, you form them to fit your mouth and teeth. These are still inexpensive, but they are also bulky and lack retention. The third and best is a custom-made mouthguard fabricated by a dentist. They are the most expensive, but they have good retention and stability. Additionally, they interfere the least with breathing and talking, and are the most comfortable to wear. What makes a good ...  more

There are three types of mouth protectors: • Stock Stock mouth protectors are inexpensive and come pre-formed, ready to wear. Unfortunately, they often don’t fit very well. They can be bulky and can make breathing and talking difficult. • Boil and bite Boil and bite mouth protectors also can be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They should be softened in water, then inserted and allowed to adapt to the shape of your mouth. If you don’t follow the directions carefully you can wind up with a poor-fitting mouth protector. • Custom-fitted Custom-fitted mouth protectors are made by your Ottawa family dentist for you personally. They are more expensive than the other versions, but because they are customized they can offer a better fit than anything you can buy off the shelf. As well, there is reinforced padding on the guard behind the front teeth for further protection. I wear braces. Can I use a mouth protector? A properly fitted ...  more

• Stock: Stock mouth protectors are inexpensive and come pre-formed, ready to wear. Unfortunately, they often don’t fit very well. They can be bulky and can make breathing and talking difficult. • Boil and Bite: Boil and bite mouth protectors also can be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They should be softened in water, then inserted and allowed to adapt to the shape of your mouth. If you don’t follow the directions carefully you can wind up with a poor-fitting mouth protector. • Custom-fitted: Custom-fitted mouth protectors are made by your dentist for you personally. They are more expensive than the other version, but because they are customized they can offer a better fit than anything you can buy on the shelf.  more